Degen will join Liverpool

Borussia Dortmund defender Philipp Degen looks set to be Rafa Benitez's first signing of the summer for Liverpool. The Swiss international will join the Reds on a free transfer in the summer.

Benitez remained tight-lipped yesterday as to how close Liverpool are to sealing the move, confirming that talks are “progressing” for at least one of his targets.

Degen has played over 70 times for Dortmund since arriving in the Bundesliga from Swiss giants Basel.

Talks with owner Tom Hicks recently went well and transfer targets were discussed.